FAQ’s & Resources

Where Do The Goldens That Are In The Program Come From?
In most cases, families give up their dog because of allergies, divorce, death, and, sometimes, because not enough thought was given to the activity level and time commitment that a Golden Retriever requires. Occassionally, we obtain Goldens that have been in abusive environments or that are found as strays.

What Happens When A Golden Is Brought Into The Program For Adoption?
A preliminary evaluation is done by a member of our Intake Team before a Golden is accepted into the program in an attempt to weed out dogs with known aggressive tendencies. (While not foolproof, the evaluation helps protect all concerned.) Once accepted, the Golden receives a veterinary examination and evaluation for existing medical problems, vaccines, and is spayed or neutered. Then the Golden is placed into one of our foster homes, where the foster family further evaluates the dog’s personality in a “home” environment and provides some basic obedience training. The Golden is then ready for adoption, and a potential adoptive family is matched with him or her from our list of approved applicants.

What Should I Know About Golden Retrievers Before I Consider Adopting One?
Golden Retrievers are sporting dogs and most are quite energetic. Males should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds, depending on height. They also have long hair and shed throughout the year. Daily brushing is recommended. If your family has an allergy problem, or if your lifestyle requires uncompromising housekeeping, one of the non-shedding breeds may be more suitable. Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent, which is why they are used as Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs. While this is a positive factor in your companion, it also means that you must take the time to at least take your Golden through a basic obedience class and train the dog to be a well-mannered member of your family. Some of the dogs that come into our program have already had basic obedience training. However, it is good to repeat this program so that you can communicate with your dog. Golden Retrievers are known for their loving, affectionate temperament and MUST live in your home. They do not make good kennel dogs, and if this is in your plans, you would do well to seek a breed that is less devoted to family life.

How Much Does It Cost To Keep A Golden?
You can expect to spend about $500 per year for food. We recommend a well-balanced premium food, not grocery store food. Veterinary care, outside of illnesses and emergencies, will cost betweem $200 and $250 per year, depending on the age of the dog. Heartworm preventative is required, it will cost an additional $80 per year. Flea and tick preventatives, which are highly recommended, will cost an additional $150. Leashes, bowls and toys will probably cost at least $50. Grooming by a professional groomer, at a minimum of every 3 months, will cost about $200 per year, bringing the total annual cost to a little over $1000. This figure does not include veterinary care when the dog gets sick, boarding or pet sitter fees when you go on vacation or other expenses. Be sure you can afford this dog before you decide to adopt!

What Age Golden Do I Want?
This is a personal choice, but the life span of dogs is increasing, so don’t discount the older Goldens. A Golden can live to 15 years with proper care, although 10-12 years is the average. A Golden at 7 to 9 years of age is still full of energy and is quite appropriate for the household that does not want to cope with the activity and training of a younger Golden. Senior Goldens can still take long walks, swim, retrieve and enjoy the favorite part of their day, simply lying near their human companions. Although Golden Retrievers have the reputation of being wonderful family dogs, young Goldens can often be too strong, too mouthy, or too exuberant for young children. Therefore, we do not adopt to families with children under the age of 3, and do not place puppies in home with children under 5. We rarely get dogs under one year of age into the program, however, we consider a dog up to three years old to be a “puppy” because of the energy level and enthusiasm of this breed.

Will An Older Dog Adjust To Our Lifestyle?
A resounding YES!!! We consider a Golden a senior canine at 9 years of age. They still have plenty of energy and fun, and are so VERY loving. Although they may not be with you as long as you wish, you can have many wonderful years together. The sense of joy in giving a senior citizen a home is unequalled. Goldens quickly bond to their new families. If you have reservations about this, we will be happy to put you in touch with people who have adopted our dogs from a wide variety of age groups from 1 to 16 years of age. The seniors are usually full of mischief, love to take walks and especially enjoy being held and loved. And remember….no housebreaking or teething (in itself a reward).

Should I Obedience Train My Golden Retriever?
Yes! Yes! Yes! They thrive on it, and besides, a Golden Retriever is a big dog, and training should begin immediately and be an ongoing process. At the time of adoption, we will recommend some local trainers. All Goldens are trainable and actually enjoy the learning process. Training creates a bond between you and your dog, and will make your Golden a good canine citizen.

How Do I Adopt A Golden?
Fill out our online Adoption/Foster Home application, which can be found under Learn More, on any page on the website. The application must be completed in full. We ask many questions in order to match a dog to your lifestyle and family routine. Your application will be reviewed by our Adoption Team and a telephone interview may be conducted. We will also contact the vet listed on your application, to check on the care of your current/previous pets. The last step will be the required home visit. For further information, or to speak to our Adoption Coordinator, call (954) 748 – 3407, and select Option 1. We are all volunteers, so have patience. We will try to respond within 48 hrs, but this cannot always be the case.

How Long Will I Have To Wait After I Submit My Application To Adopt A Golden Retriever?
Once your application is approved, our Adoption Coordinator forwards your phone number to the foster family, a member of whom will call to arrange a meeting at their home. We ask that you be on time for this appointment, that you bring along EVERY member of your family, and that you plan to spend at least 1 hour at the foster home. The foster home has final approval of the potential adoption. If you decide to adopt the dog and the foster, you will need to read and sign the Terms & Conditions of Adoption and give a copy of this, along with the adoption fee, to the foster family.

What Is The Charge For A Golden from EGRR?
The cost to our program to rescue a Golden can be well over $600. We send each dog to its new home with a complete health checkup, all vaccinations up to date, spayed/neutered (if health and age will allow), and microchipped. The adoption fee is required at the time of adoption and the fees, as of 1/1/10 are as follows:

* There will be a refundable $50 training deposit for all dogs 2 or under, and other special cases to be determined by the adoption committee.
* There will be a refundable $100 spay/neuter deposit for dogs not yet spayed or neutered. The total deposit for training and spay/neuter for dogs under 4 months will be $100. EGRR will pay for the spay/neuter if it is done at our vet, or will reimburse the owner up to our cost for this procedure.
* The entire fee is due at the time of adoption. All adoption fees are used to assist the rescue of other Goldens.

Since I Am Getting A Pure-bred Golden, Why Can’t I Breed the Dog?
The very need for EGRR is the best reason not to breed. The Golden is the sixth most popular breed registered by the American Kennel Club. There is an over-population problem, because people breed their Goldens “for the kids,” or to “get money out of the dog,” or because “he/she is so beautiful we want one of his/ her puppies.” Breeding is a time-consuming, costly venture that is best left to professionals who truly want to better the breed and understand the intricacies of the breeding selection process. Few people make money from responsible breeding.

What Should I Do If There Are Any Questions About the Dog After Adoption?
If you ever, during the rest of your Golden’s entire life, have any questions, problems or just want to brag about your new family member, we want to hear from you! Send an email to EGRR egrr@bellsouth.net

Thanks to Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue for assistance with this information.